Langtang Valley Trek is one of the nearest trekking trails from Kathmandu, Nepal. Trekking in Langrang Valley is a unique and lifetime experience with Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Langtang Valley is dominated by Langtang Lirung, bordering the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. The nearest national park from Kathmandu is called Langtang National Park, which is a superb introduction to trekking in Nepal. Langtang Valley Trekking is famous for its glacial moraine and rivers with lovely valleys and the "Red Panda," the most endangered animal in the world. Langtang Valley trekking starts after a 5- to 6-hour jeep or local bus drive to Syabru Bensi. Comparing Everest base camp, Manaslu Circuit Trekking, and Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley has easier and shorter trekking trails.
The Langtang Valley Trek Highlights
- Visit naturally blessed Langtang Valley and Langshisha Valley from Kyanging Gumba
- Trek through the wilderness and encounter rare animals such as Red Panda Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, grey langur monkey, Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and snow leopard
- Spectacular close-up view of Langtang range and Ganesh Himal, Tibetan Mountain, and Experience the Culturally diverse
- Visit Kyangjin Gomba and the Local Cheese factory
- lives and livelihoods of local people in the Langtang Valley after the earthquake.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides, the Langtang Valley was a pastureland and trekker’s paradise, offering the most beautiful views of valleys and Himalayan peaks. The trail passes through dense forests of oak and pine, offering you the chance to see wildlife up close. The stretch of forest around Ghoda Tabhela in the lower Langtang Valley and below GosaiKunda is famous for its red panda. Other animals that you may encounter on the way include the Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, gray langur monkey, Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and snow leopard.
You will see Langtang village, which was recently destroyed by the earthquake in 2015 AD. The tea houses are newly built with more facilities and comfort. The new settlement village is called Mundu, which is safer for an overnight stay. walk to Kyanjin Gumpa, which will take about 2 hours. The next day, you will explore the high valleys of Lang Shisha, Yala Peak, and Tsero Ri. All along the trail, you will enjoy breathtaking, majestic views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himalayan ranges, such as Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Yala, Cheko Ri, Ganesh Himal, etc. You will also visit Kyanjin Gompa, a yak cheese factory, and Langtang Glacier.
How do you start the Langtang Valley Trek?
The Langtang Valley Trek starts after a 6-7 hour bus ride or by jeep (116 km.). The bus leaves from Machhapokhari and goes 50 km through the Prithvi Highway to Galchi. After having a tea break, keep driving the Trisuli Bazaar-Kalikastan and Dhunche (the district headquarters of Rasuwa)-Syabru Bensi. The cost of the bus is about 11 USD, but a shared jeep is available to shorten the travel time.
The signs and symptoms of altitude sickness
Altitude sickness is a fatal disease. There is no guarantee that anyone can get it, but it is easy to avoid altitude sickness if you “leave the things behind that you want to leave.” Being stress-free, avoiding alcoholic drinks, stopping smoking, and staying hydrated. We have categorized the altitude into three sections.
What are the signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS)?
- Tired, Block nose and ears, Fatigue, Discomfort, Mild headache, Nausea, and Vomiting
- What is the sign of high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE)?
- Dry cough, nosebleed, shortness of Breath, High Heart rates, Swelling, and fainting
- What is high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE)?
- Shortness of Breath, Loss of Consciousness, fever, fatigue, Hypertension, Confusion, Coma, and being unable to Walk
- Altitude Sickness Solution: Regular exercise, stay hydrated, regular check-ups, carry Diamox, eat carbohydrates, eat chocolates and nuts, acclimatize, and rest; no smoking or alcoholic drinks.
What is the maximum height and duration of the trek?
Langtang Valley Trek is an easy and short trek from Kathmandu compared to other famous treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit. This trek involves around 5 hours of walking a day in the slow, steady. The maximum height of the trek is Kyanjin Gumpa (3,800 m), where you will spend a night. Of course, you will detour up to Kyanjin Ri (4,700 m) or Tserkuri Ri (4,900 m). The choice is yours! Both places offer the best mountain views and amazing landscapes. As for the trek duration, cost, day-to-day itinerary, and altitude, please look at the included and excluded sections below.
The best time for Langtang Valley Trek
As you know, Nepal is for all seasons. But Nepal experiences four seasons: autumn (September to December), winter (January to mid-March), spring (mid-March to June), and summer (July to mid-September). Among these four seasons, Autumn and Spring are highly recommended for trekking in Nepal because of the clear visibility.
The Best Month for Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley trek in autumn (September-December) is the best time. This is right after the monsoon; all the haze goes down and makes the visibility crystal clear. The temperature is favorable, ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius.
Langtang Trekking in spring (March-May) is another great opportunity for flora and fauna lovers. The weather is clear, and you can experience some light rain and snow, which is just perfect! The summer is too rainy, and the winter is a little too cold. All the blossoming flowers make the environment colorful, and several chirping birds are dancing around. The blue sky, chirping birds, blossoming flowers, rare red pandas, Himalayan goats, and hanging beehives are other attractions of the trek.
Does the Langtang Valley Trek suit you?
- This trek involves 5–6 hours of walking through the green bamboo forest, crossing a suspension bridge.
- The trek starts after the 7-hour adventure bus ride
- The guest houses are simple and clean but without luxury facilities.
- This trek goes up to 4,900 m./16,075 ft. altitude for the best view of the Himalayas and the frozen river.
What do you need to pack?
If you are planning a trek in the autumn or spring seasons, here are some recommended packing lists. If you have more items you may not need for your trek, you can leave unnecessary items at the office or your hotel. Trek as a model trekker and save the environment. For a list of necessary trek gear, visit here.
The Langtang Valley trek is easy and short in Nepal. The Langtang trek can be combined with the Gosain Kunda Lake trek and the Helambu trek. We are happy to customize the itinerary as per your requirements. We are here to serve you and make your Langtang Valley the most memorable one.
